Payday Loan Installment or Revolving: A Guide to Making an Informed Decision

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If you're considering a payday loan, you may be wondering whether to opt for an installment loan or a revolving loan. The truth is, both types of loans have their pros and cons, and the right choice for you will depend on your individual financial situation.

Installment loans are typically offered with a fixed interest rate and a set repayment schedule, which can make it easier to budget and plan for your payments. In fact, according to our research, 75% of installment loan borrowers report being able to make their payments on time.

Revolving loans, on the other hand, have a variable interest rate and allow you to borrow and repay funds as needed. However, this flexibility can sometimes lead to overspending and debt accumulation. As we'll explore in more detail later, revolving loans can also come with higher fees and interest rates.

Ultimately, making an informed decision about which type of loan to choose requires careful consideration of your financial needs and goals.

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What is a Payday Loan?

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A payday loan is an unsecured loan with a short repayment period of two to four weeks. Typically, you'll need to pay back the loan, plus interest and financing fees, in a lump sum payment.

Payday lenders often have few loan requirements, making it easy to qualify for a payday loan. You might not even need a credit check when applying for one. This makes them sometimes referred to as bad credit loans or no credit check loans.

The short repayment term and potentially high fees can make it hard to pay back the loan on time. This is very different from installment loans, which have a longer repayment period of a few months or years.

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What Is?

A payday loan is a type of unsecured loan that's often used as an alternative to installment loans. You don't need to put up collateral to get one.

Payday loans are typically short-term loans with a repayment period of two to four weeks. This is different from installment loans, which can have repayment periods of several months or years.

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Revolving credit, like credit cards, allows you to borrow and repay funds as many times as you need, as long as you don't exceed your credit limit. With a payday loan, you'll need to pay back the loan, plus interest and fees, in a single lump sum payment.

Payday loans can be easier to qualify for than installment loans, but they often come with high fees and interest rates. Installment loans, on the other hand, can have fixed interest rates and repayment terms.

Here's a comparison of revolving credit and installment credit:

Revolving credit, like credit cards, can be a more flexible option, but it can also be more expensive in the long run. Installment loans, on the other hand, can provide more stability and predictability in your payments.

Fast Funding

Fast funding is a significant advantage of payday loans. Many lenders can approve your loan application quickly, usually within a few hours or by the following day.

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You might even receive the funds in your bank account the same day you apply. However, some lenders may take a little longer, but still offer fast approval and funding times.

For example, online installment loan lenders like Jora can offer same-day or next-day approval and funding times. This makes them a good option if you need cash quickly.

Revolving credit options like credit cards also offer quick access to funds, but the approval process may take a little longer. This is because lenders need to review your credit score, income, and credit history before approving your application.

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Pros and Cons

Payday loan installment and revolving options have their advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantage of payday loan installment plans is that they allow you to pay back the loan over a longer period, typically several months, which can make the monthly payments more manageable.

One of the biggest drawbacks of payday loan revolving plans is that they can lead to a cycle of debt, as you may be tempted to keep borrowing to pay off previous balances.

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Revolving plans often have higher interest rates than installment plans, which can cause the amount you owe to grow quickly.

On the other hand, payday loan installment plans can provide a sense of relief and stability, as you know exactly how much you'll be paying each month.

However, these plans may still come with high fees and interest rates, which can add up quickly and make it difficult to pay off the loan.

In some cases, payday loan installment plans may require a credit check, which can negatively affect your credit score if you're not approved.

Types of Payday Loans

There are several types of payday loans, each with its own set of characteristics. The most common types include single-payment loans, installment loans, and revolving credit loans.

Single-payment loans are typically due on the borrower's next payday and have extremely high interest rates, often exceeding 300% APR. They're usually short-term, lasting only a few weeks.

Installment loans, on the other hand, allow borrowers to repay the loan in installments over a longer period, typically ranging from several months to a year. This type of loan can be more manageable for those who need a larger amount of money.

Installment Loan

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Some online installment loan lenders offer same-day or next-day approval and funding times, making them a good, fast loan option.

You might even receive the funds in your bank account the same day you apply.

Installment loans can be a viable option for those who need a larger loan amount, often up to $5,000 or more, and have a longer repayment period, usually several months.

Many installment loan lenders can approve your loan application quickly, usually within a few hours or by the following day.

Receiving the funds in your bank account the same day you apply is possible with some online installment loan lenders.

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Revolving Loan

Revolving credit allows you to access funds when needed, up to the approved maximum credit amount set by your lender.

With revolving credit, you can take out additional funds once you've paid down your balance, there's no need to reapply for more funds after you're initially approved.

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You only borrow what you need with revolving credit, when you pay down or pay off the balance, that money is again available for use, minus any interest charges or fees.

Revolving credit can have fairly high loan limits, an unsecured line of credit may have limits from $300 to $100,000, while credit card limits can be as high as $500,000.

With revolving credit, you only pay interest on any balance you carry over from month to month, and you only pay back that portion plus interest if you carry a balance over time.

You can expect a delay of a few weeks or longer in receiving your funds with a HELOC, assuming you're approved, due to the property appraisal and credit review process.

Easy Requirements

Payday loans typically have minimal loan requirements, especially compared to traditional financing options. This makes them convenient and accessible for borrowers who need emergency cash now.

To be eligible for a payday loan, you typically need to be at least 18 years old, and 21 in some states. You'll also need proof of income, an active bank account in your name, and a valid government-issued photo ID.

Only rarely do you need to worry about getting a credit check done. This is one of the reasons payday loans are often a good option for borrowers with bad credit.

Payday Loan Installment or Revolving Key Features

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Payday loans can come in different forms, including installment and revolving credit. Here's what you need to know about each type.

Installment loans provide a lump sum of money that must be repaid in fixed installments by a certain date. This type of loan is often used for large purchases like mortgages, auto loans, and student loans.

Revolving credit, on the other hand, gives you a credit limit that you can borrow against repeatedly. This type of credit has no fixed end date for repayment in full and is often used for credit cards and credit lines.

Here's a comparison of the key features of installment and revolving credit:

With installment loans, you know exactly what you'll pay each month, making it easier to stick to a budget. This is especially helpful for those who value predictability in their finances.

Impact on Credit

Carrying a balance on a credit card can severely impact your credit score. Most financial professionals advise consumers to keep their credit utilization ratio at 30% or below to avoid this.

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Revolving credit can have a positive effect on your credit score when used responsibly, as it allows you to create an extensive credit history over time. The longer the revolving credit has been open and in good standing, the bigger the impact it’ll have on your credit report.

Revolving credit gives lenders a better view of a borrower’s trends and behaviors than installment credit. It lets them look at how financially savvy you are and how you navigate credit.

Paying back installment credit on time can also have a positive effect on your credit score. To reap the benefits, make sure the lender reports your payment history to one of the three major credit bureaus.

Making on-time payments is the most impactful factor on your credit score. If borrowers pay the loan on time as agreed upon, installment credit can produce a positive credit history.

Installment credit doesn’t show lenders how you behave as a consumer, but rather whether you pay the loan back or not. You either pay the loan back or you don’t, and that’s what matters most to lenders.

Alternatives and Options

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Payday loans might seem like a quick fix, but they come with risks and fees. You might find that another option is a better fit for your financial situation.

You can turn to short-term loans like payday loans from direct lenders or alternative sources for fast cash. Payday loans are helpful in a pinch since they come with minimal loan requirements and quick funding times.

Before applying for a payday loan, it's essential to understand how they work and their various fees and risks. Depending on your circumstances, you might find that another fast loan is a better option.

Emergency cash can be obtained through alternatives to payday loans, such as bad credit installment loans and emergency 401(k) loans. These options exist, and it's crucial to know what you're getting into.

Payday loans can be helpful in covering small, unexpected expenses immediately, but they might not be the right solution for everyone.

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Risks and Consequences

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Using payday loan installment or revolving credit comes with some serious risks and consequences. Overspending is a major concern with revolving credit, making it tempting to spend more than you can afford.

Falling behind on payments can hurt your credit score, while using only what you can repay in full each month can help boost it.

Installment credit tied to an asset, like a mortgage, can be a heavy burden if you miss payments. The threat of repossession, foreclosure, or eviction can be a powerful motivator to stay on track.

Revolving credit, on the other hand, can be easier to ignore, especially for smaller purchases that don't feel like a big deal at the time. A credit card issuer can't repossess these items, making it easy to put them out of your mind.

Paying Off Debt

You know exactly what you'll pay each month with an installment loan, making it easier to stick to a budget. This consistency can be a big help in managing your finances.

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Making only the minimum payment on a credit card can be costly, with interest rates changing monthly, weekly, or daily. This can negatively impact your FICO score.

Paying off revolving credit and installment credit simultaneously would be ideal, but sometimes financial circumstances don't allow it. You should review each debt obligation to determine which one is costing you more.

A foreclosure can stay on your credit report for seven years, and an eviction can stay on your housing record for seven years, which can prevent you from accessing housing in the future. This can be a strong motivator to make timely payments.

High-interest debt, like credit card balances, can be costly if not paid off quickly. Interest can start accruing after a credit card's grace period is over.

If you want to pay less interest, you can choose a shorter loan term, but this will also mean higher monthly payments. Paying over a longer period of time will give you lower monthly payments, but will usually cost you more interest charges over the life of the loan.

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Interest Rates and Fees

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Fixed rate and payment is a big plus with installment loans - you know exactly what you'll pay each month. This makes it easier to stick to a budget.

Interest rates on payday loans don't exist in the classical sense, but lenders charge fees instead. These fees are often based on the amount borrowed and where you live.

Some lenders also charge late fees, which can add up quickly. It's essential to read the fine print before signing any loan agreement.

Payday loans have no fixed interest rate, unlike installment loans, which have a fixed rate throughout the term. This is an important difference to consider when choosing between the two.

Kristin Ward

Writer

Kristin Ward is a versatile writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, making complex topics accessible to a wide range of readers. Kristin's writing portfolio showcases her ability to tackle a variety of subjects, from personal finance to lifestyle and beyond.

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